A Tale of Three Cousins

Art Snow continues the study of King David’s life, focusing on three of his cousins—Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, sons of David’s sister Zeruiah. Beginning in 1 Samuel 26, the lesson follows Abishai’s loyalty and restraint when accompanying David into Saul’s camp, refusing to harm the Lord’s anointed. It then traces the violent and political turns in 2 Samuel, including Asahel’s pursuit and death at the hands of Abner, Joab and Abishai’s avenging of their brother, and Joab’s eventual execution under Solomon’s orders. The study closes with Abishai’s later act of saving the aging David from a Philistine giant. Throughout, the narrative ties together scattered biblical references to show the lasting influence of these family members in David’s military campaigns and the kingdom’s history, while drawing spiritual lessons about loyalty, courage, and fighting for God’s purposes today.